A new generation of STAR WARS fans have propelled STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, the breakthrough CG-animated series, to mega-hit status on Cartoon Network and put CLONE WARS products on every kid’s wish list for the 2008 holiday season. STAR WARS has become the year’s No. 1 licensed toy property, according to the NPD Group.

“We’re seeing enormous excitement and enthusiasm for Star Wars this holiday season,” says Howard Roffman, president of Lucas Licensing. “We’re happy to offer fans a really fun array of products around The Clone Wars, taking them deeper into the fantasy and igniting their imaginations as only Star Wars can do.”

STAR WARS toys expected to be favorites for the holidays include:

STAR WARS Clone Trooper Helmet from Hasbro (approx. retail price, $29.99; ages 5 and up) – Join the army of heroic clone troopers by donning an authentic helmet as seen in the animated series. Includes signature phrases and a voice amplifier that disguises any identity.

AT-TE CLONE WARS Vehicle from Hasbro (approximate retail price, $99.99, ages 4 and up). It’s the first time that STAR WARS fans and collectors have been able to take the new six-legged CLONE WARS vehicle for a spin. Measuring two feet long, the AT-TE can transport an amazing 20 clone trooper action figures and is packed with authentic sounds and firing features.
MagnaGuard Starfighter from LEGO Systems, Inc., Model 7673 (approx. retail price, $44.99; ages 8 and up). Building fans can send General Grievous’s elite personal bodyguard on a special mission with the MagnaGuard Starfighter as seen in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. It includes opening cockpit and engine compartments and two new MagnaGuard minifigures.

The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc., Model 7680 (Toys “R” Us exclusive; approx. retail price, $99.99). The Twilight is Anakin Skywalker’s personal starship in the Clone Wars – and this 882-piece LEGO® set not only includes all of the systems that he’s upgraded, but also includes Anakin, Ahsoka and R2-D2 minifigures, plus Rotta the Huttlet from the CLONE WARS animated feature film.

STAR WARS Legacy Collection Millennium Falcon from Hasbro (approx. retail price $149.99, ages 4 and up). It’s the first time that the Millennium Falcon has been updated since its introduction as a classic toy in 1979 – and it’s also the largest and most authentic Falcon ever. Approximately 30 percent larger than the original, with electronic lights and sounds, it can accommodate up to 18 action figures.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS also offers exciting gaming and home-entertainment gift possibilities, with the launch of the CLONE WARS movie on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as two new videogames based on the popular animated series:

- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels is available exclusively for Wii™, featuring an intuitive, motion-controlled combat system that puts the lightsaber weapon into players’ hands for non-stop fun.

- Exclusively for Nintendo DS™, comes Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance, which lets gamers experience the awesome power of two Jedi joining forces to fight as one. The game features an innovative stylus-based input to control the Jedi’s movement and make lightsaber combat feel immersive.

- Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video release STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS on DVD and Blu-Ray – the first time any STAR WARS movie has appeared in the high-definition format. As a single-disc widescreen release (SRP $28.98), two-disc special edition (SRP $34.99) or Blu-ray disc (SRP $35.99), the stunning animation and spectacular adventure are a perfect companion to the STAR WARS fun that awaits fans of all ages this holiday season.